ICSI – injecting sperm into the egg

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a method of micromanipulation consisting of injecting sperm directly into an egg, replacing the sperm’s penetration of the egg in natural fertilization. This is the most commonly used method of assisted reproduction.

This method is performed under a specially adjusted microscope with a high level of magnification using a micro-injector to inject a single sperm directly into the cytoplasm of a mature egg. Fertilized eggs are then transferred into the uterus or frozen for future use.

Before and after ICSI

Before the procedure, women will undergo hormonal stimulation of the ovaries and egg collection. Men will need to undergo sperm collection after ejaculation or directly from the testicles. An experienced embryologist selects sperm suitable for the procedure and assesses their quality and motility. Egg and sperm collection take place on the same day as the procedure itself. After injecting the sperm into the egg, we monitor whether the cells begin to divide. Some injections may not necessarily be successful, which is why we use more than one egg, depending on the quality of the eggs, the wishes of the patient (couple) and the doctor’s recommendation. The egg is cultivated in the laboratory and the best zygotes/embryos are transferred to the uterus after two days. The procedure does not take long and does not involve any restrictions afterwards. Patients can go about their daily routine, but should avoid strenuous physical activity, excessive stress, etc. It is also important to keep taking the medications prescribed by the doctor. As with other infertility treatments, the results can be verified 14 days after the procedure, ideally by a blood test to confirm or rule out pregnancy.

Suitable candidates for ICSI

This method is used when the sperm are unable to penetrate the egg spontaneously, for low sperm count, low sperm motility, immunological infertility and lack of success with previous cycles of artificial insemination. It is also suitable for patients with low egg count, when using frozen sperm or donated eggs, or in case of congenital anomalies of the testicles or testicular disease. This method is also suitable in cases of paralysis; for some couples this method is the only option.